Preview: Poena 5X1

New one-woman Scandi-noir thriller from the award-winning Abbie Spallen

Premiering at the Fringe, this one-woman show is written by award-winning Abbie Spallen (Pumpgirl, Lally the Scut). Poena 5X1 or, How I Came to Agree with Right-Wing Thinking, is the story of Bryony Adams, an idealistic government scientist working to tackle the crippling issue of prison overcrowding with a new, humane form of punishment.

Director Robert Shaw is cautious about giving away too much about this Scandi-noir thriller. 'It's provocative; some people might find it controversial. I wanted it to speak to some of the big issues facing our world today in a way that's intelligent, dramatic and contemporary. The politics are universal, but also profoundly personal. And don't forget it's a thriller; it's entertainment.'

Shaw, who founded theatre company Inside Intelligence, feels privileged to have been able to commission this new work from Spallen. 'She has an uncompromising vision, based on a razor sharp and unflinching view of the world around her. Her work is deeply humane, thought-provoking and also very funny.'

As well as an original script, Poena 5X1 boasts specially commissioned music from twice Grammy-nominated composer Tarik O'Regan. 'I'm passionate about new music and its dramatic possibilities. I've become a committed fan of Tarik O'Regan's music, it's contemporary and has tremendous beauty. He's a truly original artist'.

Inside Intelligence
Or How I Came To Agree With Right Wing Thinking. 'Profit always simplifies things. It appeals to the simple.’ Sex, politics and the power of love: brilliant, provocative Scandi noir thriller from Northern Ireland's multi award-winning Abbie Spallen: Pumpgirl, Strandline, Lally the Scut (Irish Play…